http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GKz3Cevv7uQ...re=channel_page

Above is an interview with David Blaine regarding his perception towards magic, and it is interesting to know the reason why his magic is always without a patter.

wow....he does have an unusual perception of magic. I agree with some of his points, but where is the tension and the build-up without patter?

I don't think Shade would agree that magic without patter is o.k. :blink: ( i hope)

Maybe that explains his style of street magic, walk up to someone, perform, and leave
People wasn't expecting magic, and magic happens

For patter-kind of magic, maybe people was expecting magic, and it enchance the build up of the effect.

I'm not sure, but both ways work for different people.

Actually, I believe that David Blaine chose the right mode of delivery. To begin with, most of his magic comes across the TV and has to be short and sharp. More importantly, he compresses all his patter into a single word - 'watch!'. Which is good enough for him. It works well enough for his medium of presentation and mode of delivery.

Again, the presentation might include patter and a speaking part is always ideal in closeup magic - I can't imagine how even David blaine would perform all his effects without speaking. Imagine if you muted the TV - would it be half as impressive even if the only word you can't hear is 'watch'? He uses more than just patter in his presentation - he uses lighting, soundtrack, editing, camera angles, focus, framing, etc. All that is HIS PRESENTATION. It IS his act. They speak for him.

If he were performing a live act, he does speak more. :)

We don't have the benefits of a studio crew to work for us. Of course, there are situations when you do want to reduce your patter - I don't talk too much in a noisy bar; I perform shorter effects where there's less strain on the cerebral cortex. I wouldn't have the luxury setting (like at the last gathering) where I can banter and interact with the audience the way I would prefer to. At such places, it's best to go with sharp, short and strong effects.

Choose your presentation based on your setting, style etc. But you SHOULD be able to speak if called upon to. Remember - you're the star; not your props.

Shade